Prostatitis - nonbacterial
Definition
Nonbacterial prostatitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the prostate gland with no known cause.
Alternative Names
NBP; Prostatodynia; Pelvic pain syndrome
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are many theories about the cause of nonbacterial prostatitis, including:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Irritation caused by a backup of urine flowing into the prostate
- Parasites (trichomonads)
- Viruses
Life stresses and some psychological factors may also contribute.
Most patients with chronic prostatitis have the nonbacterial form.
Review Date: 09/07/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor
of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the
American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(
www.urac.org).
